Bee GREEN...bzzzzzz

[koolcreativity]

This is the first bag I've ever made.  No patterns used, but some inspiration from other sources.  I've always wanted to own a LLBean bag, but never felt like paying the price for one, so I decided to make my own.  The handle technique came from Mary Jo Hiney's book Quilted Bags and Purses.  The cost of the bag was 50 cents because I used fabric I had lying around.  Since green is my favorite color and green is often used in eco-friendly phrases I decided the green fabric was perfect for this challenge.  The handles are made from old denim I had lying around.  And the phrase is sewn on using fusible interface and machine embroidered onto the bag.  The bee was so much fun to make.  I don't have an embroidery machine, so I just used a zig-zag stitch and created it free hand.  I hope you all enjoy.


Completed bags.  The small one is for produce and other small items.
I squared off the bottom to allow for more storage.


Pictures of the bag handles being sewn on.  I cut strips of denim to be 2.5 inches wide and sewed them together (good side to good side).  Then my husband and I spent over 1 hour trying to turn the fabric right side out.  Note to self:  next time make the fabric strips wider.  I would have greatly appreciated another 1/2 inch of fabric.


Attaching the outer pocket to the bag.  I sewed the bottom of the pocket to the bag and then sewed up the sides to secure the sides of the pocket


Up close shot of the appliqué


It's large enough to hold many jugs of juice and milk. 


The bag is HUGE!!  Just wanted to give you all an idea of it's size.  I    like it that way, but next time I will make the bag a little bit smaller in height for easier access.

I really enjoyed making this bag and love the fabric I chose.  The denim handles hold the weight of the bag's contents rather than the fabric itself.  Thanks for the challenge.  I'm looking forward to making more bags in the future. 

[digitallasagna]

way cool. and since you did the embroidery by "hand", its even more cool.
may it save many plastic bags.

[maasive]

That is super cute!!! GREAT JOB!

[unlessindicated]

 This sew does ROCK...I love the bee too

[Elcoeda]

Love the colour !

[jmesdiylounge]

Clever phrase!

[Little Bird]

that's pretty darn cute!

[craftymamaof1]

This is definitely my fave!

[smashergrl]

that is so cute! i love the fabric!!

[santacruzsugar]

i love that its so big!

[dinostar]

AHHH CUTE!!

[GothicFeverDream]

awe, how lovely